On Christmas day, 45-year-old William J. Nokes was arrested on charges involving incest. Nokes has been charged with criminal sexual assault third degree, and was arraigned on Wednesday December 26 on three counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct. Allegedly, the incidents involve Nokes’ daughter.

Nokes appeared in the 80th District Court in Clare County in front of Magistrate Karen Wiling, who according to court records set bond at $65,000 cash/surety, 10 percent.

Nokes was arrested at his home in Farwell by Michigan State Police following an investigation which began after receiving a complaint from a family member (Nokes’ daughter). The family member told police that there had been numerous incidents involving incest, three in Farwell and one in Clinton County.

News reports claim that Lansing police first learned of the circumstances when Nokes’ biological daughter, who was 22 years old, complained that her father had sexual intercourse with her while she was visiting him in July over the fourth holiday. This was reported to State Police in September. In October, Mt. Pleasant State Troopers contacted Nokes and interviewed him, at which time he reportedly confessed to the allegations.

After that interview Nokes was out of the state for employment purposes, and was arrested when he returned home to Farwell for Christmas according to the media. January 7 at 2 p.m. is the tentative date for the preliminary examination.

Individuals who are charged with and subsequently convicted on third-degree criminal sexual conduct charges face serious penalties, including lengthy prison time. If convicted on all three charges, Nokes could be imprisoned for what would essentially amount to the rest of his life.

Michigan sex crimes attorneys know that while these crimes do occur, there are occasions on which an innocent individual is accused of a crime he or she did not commit. If you have been accused of or arrested for rape, sexual assault, incest, child pornography or any sex-related crime, contact an aggressive Michigan sex crime defense lawyer at once.